News

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

—Amy McCullough2/13/2014

AFA Caption

BodyText

​Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Global Strike Command bossLt. Gen. Stephen Wilsonsaid Wednesday they are confident the Air Force will fix thesystemic problemswithin its nuclear force, while emphasizing the mission itself has not been compromised. Speaking at a Center for Strategic and International Studies event in Washington, D.C., the leaders promised to remain transparent as the Air Force works to get a grasp on the allegations ofwidespread cheatingat Malmstrom AFB, Mont., saying the investigation is still ongoing. “I want to reinforce that the vast majority of our airmen,” particularly those involved in the ICBM mission, “are working hard and with great pride every day,” said James. “As for the challenges, we will address them. People will be held accountable. We didn’t get here overnight. I’m sure we won’t fix it overnight. But, we will get there.” The bottom-up grass roots effort to identify and fix such problems, known as theforce improvement program, began on Wednesday. Wilson said the FIP is an opportunity to shape the next generation of airmen. The entire team of about 65 people gathered at AFGSC headquarters at Barksdale AFB, La., earlier this week. “I told them, ‘I want you to think big, and I want you to think bold. Nothing is off the table,’” added Wilson.